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Dog diabetes

Dog diabetes types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management

Diabetes in Dogs
There are hardly any human ailments that are not common to dogs.



Just like humans, dogs too acquire various diseases and disorders. One such disease is diabetes. Diabetes in dogs is a life threatening disease and therefore the dogs need a lot of care and attention.




There are mainly two types of diabetes in dogs—diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.

Dog diabetes insipidus is caused when there is a lack of the hormone vasopressin, which is essential in regulating the control of the absorption of water by the kidneys. Vasopressin is a diuretic hormone.




Diabetes Mellitus in dogs is caused due to a deficiency of insulin, secreted by the pancreas. In such a condition, the body of the dog is not able to digest sugars, causing an excess in the blood stream. Diabetes mellitus itself is of two types.

Type 1 diabetes in dogs occurs when the dog is very young. This is also often referred to as juvenile dog diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes in dogs is observed in older dogs and is characterized by insulin dependence.

Who is susceptible?

  • Dogs that are older and bigger have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Smaller breeds are much less susceptible than the larger breeds.
  • Female dogs are more susceptible to developing either type of diabetes.
  • Dogs that are obese are at a significantly higher risk of developing the disease.
  • This disease is hereditary and therefore if a dog's parents have diabetes, there are good chances that it will have diabetes too.

 

Symptoms

  • Excessive drinking,
  • Excessive eating,
  • Excessive urination, and
  • Weight loss.

Diagnosis
A sugar blood test is done to find out if your dog has diabetes. Only a veterinarian can do these tests therefore rush to the doctor as soon as you see your dog showing symptoms of diabetes. Your pet may remain in good condition if regular monitoring and recommended treatment are done.

Treatment
Insulin injections and other diabetes treatments will be recommended by the veterinarian as deemed fit. There are other medications that help regulate blood sugar levels and also increase the length and the quality of the dog's life.

Management
A proper dog diabetes diet is an important aspect of the management of this disorder. There are certain dog diabetes food brands available commercially which can help pet owners manage their dog's diabetes. However, if your dog is obese, it is important that it gets proper exercise otherwise the condition may become serious.

 
  Submitted on May 10, 2010  
 
 
 

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